The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to sign shooting guard Andrew Wiggins to a five-year $148 million contract extension. Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post broke the news Wednesday afternoon:
The Minnesota Timberwolves announce Andrew Wiggins has signed his contract extension. Presumably a five-year max deal worth $148 million.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 11, 2017
Timberwolves Sign Andrew Wiggins to Contract Extension
The Vertical’s Shams Charania originally reported that Wiggins and the Timberwolves were “progressing” towards an agreement in late September, but it took until now to make the contract official.
Wiggins’ extension will keep him with the Timberwolves until the end of the 2022-23 season. If left unsigned, Wiggins would have become a restricted free agent in 2018. The extension will kick in at the beginning of the 2018-19 season, after Wiggins’ rookie contract expires.
Wiggins averaged career highs of 23.6 points and 2.3 assists per game last season. Playing in all 82 contests last campaign, Wiggins is known for his longevity. In three seasons in the association, the Canadian has missed just one game total.
This deal makes sense for player and team, especially when considering Minnesota’s playoff ambitions. At just 22 years of age, Wiggins still has room for growth. Re-signing a player with All-Star potential is a good first step towards building a playoff team. The Timberwolves believe they have their “big three” in Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, and Wiggins. If they can keep this trio in the Gopher State, fans would be ecstatic.
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Wiggins via trade in 2014, less than two months after he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He went on to win Rookie of the Year honors and is now entering his fourth season in the NBA.
Main Photo:
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in the third quarter during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on November 5, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
